Image forming system and image forming method

ABSTRACT

An UI section receives a printing parameter set by a user. A data reading section reads a printing parameter from an original paper. An image reading section reads an image from the original paper. When an IC chip has been attached to the original paper, a parameter selecting section selects a printing parameter thereof, whereas in other cases, the parameter selecting section selects a printing parameter, which is set by the user. An image processing section and a printing control section execute an image processing operation and a printing operation in accordance with the selected printing parameter.

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the subject matter contained inJapanese Patent Application No.2002-248740 filed on Aug. 28, 2002, whichis incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention is related to an image forming system andan image forming method, which can set a parameter required to form animage using a non-contact memory attached to an original paper and/or aprinting paper.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] A compact semiconductor chip (for example, μ-chip by HITACHI,LTD.) from which an external unit can read stored data in a non-contactmanner has been known.

[0006] Also, JP-A-2001-229199, JP-A-2000-285203, JP-A-2001-134672,JP-A-2001-283011, JP-A-2001-148000, and JP-A-2001-260580 discloseapplications of the compact semiconductor chip.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention has been made from the viewpoint of thetechnical background, and therefore, has an object to provide an imageforming system and an image forming method, to which the semiconductorchip which can read stored data in a non-contact manner is applied. Theimage forming system and the image forming method store settinginformation of an image formation into an original and can form an imageusing the stored setting information of the image formation.

[0008] Also, another object of the invention is to provide an imageforming system and an image forming method, in which while settinginformation and a history of image formation are also stored into aprinting paper, an image formed on the printing paper can be furthermoreutilized in the image forming operation.

[0009] [Image Forming System]

[0010] To achieve the above-described objects, according to a firstaspect of the invention, an image forming system includes an imagedisplay member on which an image is displayed, and an image formingapparatus. The image display member includes a first parameter storageunit stores a first parameter indicating a way to form the displayedimage and a formation history of the displayed image and outputs thestored first parameter to an external. The image forming apparatusincludes an image reading unit for reading the displayed image, aparameter reading unit for reading the output first parameter, and animage forming unit for forming the read image on the basis of the readfirst parameter on a recording medium.

[0011] Preferably, the recording medium includes a second parameterstorage unit for storing the first parameter written from the externaland outputting the stored first parameter to the external. The imageforming apparatus includes a parameter writing unit for writing one ofthe read first parameter and a second parameter containing a historyupdated in response to the image formation on the recording medium intothe second parameter storage unit.

[0012] According to a second aspect of the invention, an image formingapparatus includes an image reading unit for reading an image displayedon an image display member, a parameter reading unit for reading a firstparameter indicating at least one of a way to form the displayed imageand a formation history of the displayed image from the image displaymember, and an image forming unit for forming the read image on thebasis of the read first parameter on a recording medium.

[0013] Preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes aparameter writing unit for writing one of the read first parameter and asecond parameter containing a history updated in response to the imageformation on the recording medium into a storage unit of the recordingmedium.

[0014] Preferably, the first parameter includes information indicating amode for forming the displayed image on the recording medium, a size ofthe formed image, and number of the image formation.

[0015] Preferably, the history contained in the second parameterincludes at least a size change of the image formed on the recordingmedium.

[0016] According to a third aspect of the invention, a method forforming an image, which is displayed on an image display member, on arecording medium, the method includes outputting a first parameterindicating at least one of a way to form the displayed image and aformation history of the displayed image to an external by the imagedisplay member, reading the displayed image from the image displaymember, reading the output first parameter, and forming the read imageon the basis of the read first parameter on a recording medium.

[0017] Preferably, the method further includes storing a parameterwritten from the external and outputting the stored parameter to theexternal by the recording medium, and writing one of the read firstparameter and a second parameter containing a history updated inresponse to the image formation on the recording medium into therecording medium.

[0018] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a program makes acomputer execute a process including outputting a first parameterindicating at least one of a way to form an image, which is displayed ona image display member, and a formation history of the displayed imageto an external by the image display member, reading the displayed imagefrom the image display member, reading the output first parameter, andforming the read image on the basis of the read first parameter on arecording medium.

[0019] Preferably, the process further includes storing a parameterwritten from the external and outputting the stored parameter to theexternal by the recording medium, and writing one of the read firstparameter and a second parameter containing a history updated inresponse to the image formation on the recording medium into therecording medium.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020]FIG. 1 is a diagram for showing a mode of an N-up printingoperation in an exemplification manner; FIG. 1A indicates 16 sheets oforiginal papers “A” to “P”; FIG. 1B represents a printing result of a2-up printing operation in which 16 sheets of these original papers “A”to “P” are printed on 8 sheets of printing papers every two sheets ofthese original papers “A” to “P”; FIG. 1C shows a printing result of a4-up printing operation which is obtained by furthermore performing a2-up printing operation with respect to the printing result indicated inFIG. 1B; and, FIG. 1D shows a printing result of an 8-up printingoperation which is obtained by furthermore performing a 2-upprinting-operation with respect to the printing result indicated in FIG.1C.

[0021]FIG. 2 is a diagram for representing a hardware structure of acomposite copying machine to which an image forming method according tothe present invention is applied, i.e., for mainly exemplifying acontrol apparatus thereof.

[0022]FIG. 3 is a diagram for exemplifying a hardware construction of anapparatus main body indicated in FIG. 2.

[0023]FIG. 4 is a diagram for exemplifying an original paper indicatedin FIG. 2 and FIG. 3.

[0024]FIG. 5 is a diagram for showing a structure of a first IC chipindicated in FIG. 4.

[0025]FIG. 6 is a diagram for indicating a structure of an IC chip IFshown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3.

[0026]FIG. 7 is a diagram for representing a structure of a firstprinting program which is executed by the control apparatus (FIG. 2 andFIG. 3) so as to realize the image forming method according to thepresent invention.

[0027]FIG. 8 is a diagram for exemplifying data stored in the IC chip.

[0028]FIG. 9 is a flow chart for describing operations (S10) of thecomposite copying machine (first printing program FIG. 7) shown in FIG.2 and FIG. 3.

[0029]FIG. 10 is a diagram for exemplifying a structure of a second ICchip.

[0030]FIG. 11 is a diagram for representing a structure of a secondprinting program.

[0031]FIG. 12 is a diagram for indicating a structure of a thirdprinting program which is executed by the control apparatus (FIG. 2,FIG. 3) soas to realize an image forming method according to the presentinvention instead of the first printing program shown in FIG. 7.

[0032]FIG. 13 is a diagram for indicating a printing paper to which anIC chip has been attached; FIG. 13A is a diagram for showing a printingpaper before an image is printed out; and FIG. 13B is a diagram forrepresenting a printing paper after the image is printed out.

[0033]FIG. 14 is a flow chart for representing overall operation (S12)of a composite copying machine (third printing program; FIG. 12)according to the second embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] Normally, in copying machines, users who try to make copies, notwriters who have written original papers, will set printing methods, forinstance, will set whether color copies or black/white copies are made;will set how many copies are produced; will set whether original papersare copied in an equi-magnification mode, an enlarge-magnification mode,or a compression-magnification mode.

[0035] However, when color original papers are copied in the black/whitecopying mode, there are some possibilities that intentions of writerswho have written these color original papers cannot be reflectedthereon.

[0036] Also, users who have not so many experiences may possibly seterroneous total numbers of copies.

[0037] The invention has been made by considering such a difficultaspect, and therefore can make up such a device that while writers oforiginal images have previously stored printing parameters fordesignating copies (image formations) into original papers, theseoriginal papers may be copied by reflecting thereon intentions of thesewriters.

[0038]FIG. 1 is a diagram for showing examples of N-up printings (willbe explained later). FIG. 1A indicates 16 sheets of original papers “A”to “P”. FIG. 1B represents a printing result of a 2-up printing in which16 sheets of the original papers “A” to “P” are printed on 8 sheets ofprinting papers every two sheets of the original papers “A” to “P”.Also, FIG. 1C shows a printing result of a 4-up printing which isobtained by furthermore performing the 2-up printing with respect to theprinting result indicated in FIG. 1B. Further, FIG. 1D shows a printingresult of an 8-up printing which is obtained by furthermore performingthe 2-up printing with respect to the printing result indicated in FIG.1C.

[0039] In order to save printing papers at a time of printing, there aresome cases that, as illustrated in FIG. 1A to FIG. 1D, plural (N) sheetsof original papers are printed together on a single sheet of printingpaper (namely, N-up printing).

[0040] In this case, for example, as indicated in FIG. 1C, when anoriginal paper has already been printed in the 4-up printing and thisoriginal paper is furthermore tried to be printed in the 2-up printingmode, there are some possibilities that images of printed articles maybecome excessively small (as indicated in FIG. 1D), may becomedestroyed, and therefore, can be hardly read/discriminated.

[0041] In such a case, if the following information has already beenstored so as to prohibit another N-up printing, then user friendlyconditions may be established. That is, while information that theoriginal paper has already been printed in the 4-up printing (see FIG.1C) is stored in the original paper (printing paper), the execution ofanother N-up printing (namely, 8-up printing operation shown in FIG. 1D)may be prohibited, resulting in such user friendly conditions.

[0042] The invention has been made by also considering this point.Therefore, according to the invention, a history of image printingoperations (image formations) can be read from an original to obtainsuperior readable/discriminatable printing results.

[0043] [First Embodiment]

[0044] A first embodiment of the invention will now be explained.

[0045] In an image forming method represented as the first embodiment, aprinting parameter for designating a printing method is read from an ICchip, which has been attached to an original paper and then, a printingoperation (namely, image formation) is carried out based on thisprinting parameter.

[0046] [Composite Copying Machine 1]

[0047]FIG. 2 is a diagram for showing a hardware structure of acomposite copying machine 1 to which an image forming method accordingto the invention is applied, while a control apparatus 2 of thiscomposite copying machine 1 is mainly illustrated.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 2, the composite copying machine 1 includes thecontrol apparatus 2 and an apparatus main body 10.

[0049] The control apparatus 2 includes a control apparatus main body20, a communication apparatus 22, a recording apparatus 24 such as anHDD/CD apparatus, a user interface apparatus (UI apparatus) 26, andfirst and second IC chip interfaces (IC chip IF) 28-1 and 28-2. Thecontrol apparatus main body 20 contains a CPU 202, a memory 204, and thelike. The user interface apparatus 26 contains either an LCD displayapparatus or a CRT display apparatus, and a keyboard/touch panel, and soon. The first and second IC chip interfaces 28-1 and 28-2 contain afirst antenna 280-1 and a second antenna 280-2, respectively.

[0050] [Apparatus Main Body 10]

[0051]FIG. 3 is a diagram for showing an example of a hardware structureof the apparatus main body 10 shown in FIG. 2.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 3, the apparatus main body 10 includes a papertray section 12, a print engine 14, a scanner 16, an original feedingapparatus 18, and the like. The print engine 14 prints (forms) images onprinting papers 42, which are fed from the paper tray section 12, by wayof the xerography technique. The scanner 16 reads an image of anoriginal paper 40. The original feeding apparatus 18 feeds the originalpaper 40.

[0053] In the apparatus main body 10, both the first IC chip IF 28-1 andthe first antenna thereof 280-1 are arranged in the vicinity of anoriginal feeding path 102 of the original feeding apparatus 18, throughwhich the original paper 40 is transported.

[0054] Also, both the second IC chip IF 28-2 and the second antennathereof 280-2 are arranged in the vicinity of a printing paper transportpath 100 through which the printing papers 42 are transported. It shouldbe understood that both the second IC chip IF 28-2 and the secondantenna 280-2 are required in a second embodiment of the invention as tothe composite copying machine 1.

[0055] Also, the UI (user interface) apparatus 26 is arranged at anupper portion of the apparatus main body 10.

[0056] In other words, the composite copying machine 1 may be realizedby employing such a hardware structure that both the first and second ICchip IF 28-1, 28-2 and the first and second antennas 280-1, 280-2 areadditionally provided in a general-purpose composite copying machinehaving a function of reading and printing an image of the original paper40 fed from the original feeding apparatus 18 and another function oftransmitting this image in a FAX (facsimile) mode.

[0057] It should be noted that as represented in FIG. 3, the controlapparatus 2 (see FIG. 2) is actually stored inside the apparatus mainbody 10.

[0058] [Original Paper 40]

[0059]FIG. 4 is a diagram for showing an example of the original paper40 shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 4, either a color image or a black/white imagesuch as a text and an image, which are designed to be read, orimage-formed by the composite copying machine 1, is displayed (printed)on the original paper 40. A first IC chip 3 is applied to this originalpaper 40 by way of either a pasting method or an embedding method.

[0061] [IC Chip 3/IC Chip IF 28]

[0062]FIG. 5 is a diagram for schematically showing a structure of thefirst IC chip 3 shown in FIG. 4.

[0063]FIG. 6 is a diagram for schematically showing a structure of thefirst and second IC chip IF 28-1 and 28-2 shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 5, the first IC chip 3 includes an antenna 300,a clock reproducing circuit 320, a memory circuit 322, a datatransmitting/receiving circuit 324, and a power supply circuit 326.

[0065] It should also be noted that when it is so guaranteed that the ICchip 3 of the original paper 40 passes through an area in closeproximity to the antenna 280, an IC chip 3 having no antenna 300 may beemployed.

[0066] When there are a plurality sets of elements having essentiallysame structural such as the first IC chip IF 28-1 and the second IC chipIF 28-2 in the below-mentioned descriptions, these IC chip IF 28-1 and28-2 will be abbreviated as a general-termed “IC chip IF 28”hereinafter.

[0067] Also, as shown in FIG. 6, the IC chip IF 28 includes atransmission circuit 284, a reception circuit 286, atransmission/reception control circuit 282, a demodulation circuit 288,and a modulation circuit 290.

[0068] In accordance with the below-mentioned operations of therespective constituent components employed in the IC chip 3 and the ICchip IF 28, information (data) is written into the IC chip 3 via the ICchip IF 28 in a non-contact manner, and the information (data), whichhas been stored in the IC chip 3, is read therefrom via the IC chip IF28 in a non-contact manner.

[0069] In the IC chip 3 (see FIG. 5), the power supply circuit 326rectifies an electromagnetic wave signal supplied via the antenna 300 soas to supply electric power to the respective constituent components ofthe IC chip 3, while this electric power is required for theseconstituent components.

[0070] The clock reproducing circuit 320 reproduces a clock signal fromthe electromagnetic wave signal supplied via the antenna 300 from the ICchip IF 28 to output this reproduced clock signal to the memory circuit322 and the data transmitting/receiving circuit 324.

[0071] The memory circuit 324 is, for example, a nonvolatile RAM (randomaccess memory). This memory circuit 324 stores thereinto data indicativeof information which is input from the data transmitting/receivingcircuit 324 in synchronization with the clock signal input from theclock reproducing circuit 320.

[0072] Also, the memory circuit 322 outputs data indicative of theinformation stored therein with respect to the datatransmitting/receiving circuit 324 in synchronization with the clocksignal.

[0073] To clarify and embody an explanation, in the first embodiment, itshould be understood that the following case is assumed as a specificexample. That is, in this specific example, a printing parameter (willbe discussed later with reference to FIG. 8) capable of designating aprinting method of an image has been stored in the memory circuit 322 ata stage that the IC chip 3 is attached to the original paper 40.

[0074] The data transmitting/receiving circuit 324 demodulates theelectromagnetic wave signal input via the antenna 300 into data tooutput the demodulated data to the memory circuit 322 in synchronizationwith the clock signal input from the clock reproducing circuit 320.

[0075] Also, the data transmitting/receiving circuit 324 changes thereflection intensity of the electromagnetic wave signal supplied fromthe IC chip IF 28 in accordance with a value of the data input from thememory circuit 322 in synchronization with the clock signal.

[0076] As described above, the data indicative of the information, whichhas been stored in the memory circuit 322, is transmitted from the ICchip 3 to the IC chip IF 28 with changing the intensity of thereflection signal of the electromagnetic wave signal transmitted fromthe IC chip IF 28 to the IC chip 3.

[0077] In the IC chip IF 28 (FIG. 6), the transmission/reception controlcircuit 282 controls operations of the respective constituent componentsof this IC chip IF 28.

[0078] Also, this transmission/reception control circuit 282 outputsdata input from the control apparatus main body 20 (namely, firstprinting program 5, which will be discussed later with reference to FIG.7) to the demodulation circuit 288.

[0079] Further, this transmission/reception control circuit 282 outputsdata, which has been received by the reception circuit 286 and then hasbeen demodulated by the demodulation circuit 288, to the controlapparatus main body 20.

[0080] The modulation circuit 290 modulates a high frequency signal(radio frequency signal) based upon data input from thetransmission/reception control circuit 282 to produce an electromagneticwave signal, and then, outputs this produced electromagnetic wave signalto the transmission circuit 284.

[0081] The transmission circuit 284 transmits the electromagnetic wavesignal via the antenna 280 to the IC chip 3, while this electromagneticwave signal contains data to be stored in the IC chip 3 and the clocksignal.

[0082] The reception circuit 296 receives a reflection signal, which isreflected from the IC chip 3, to output this received reflection signalto the demodulation circuit 288.

[0083] The modulation circuit 288 demodulates a change of the reflectionsignal input from the reception circuit 286 into the data transmittedfrom the IC chip 3 to output the demodulated data to thetransmission/reception control circuit 282.

[0084] [First Printing Program 50]

[0085]FIG. 7 is a block diagram for schematically showing a structure ofa first printing program 50, which is executed by the control apparatus2 (see FIG. 2 and FIG. 3) so as to realize the image forming methodaccording to the invention.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 7, the first printing program 50 includes animage reading section 500, a user interface (UI) section 510, a datareading section 520, a parameter selecting section 530, an imageprocessing section 532, and a printing control section 540.

[0087] The first printing program 50 is supplied via, for example, arecording medium 240 (see FIG. 2) to the control apparatus 2, and isloaded to the memory 204 so as to be executed.

[0088] The first printing program 50 reads a printing parameter fordesignating a printing method, which has been stored in the IC chip 3(FIG. 4 and FIG. 5) to print the image read from the original paper 40on the printing paper 42 in accordance with the read printing parameter.The printing method includes a color copy/black/white copy, a totalprinting number, equi-magnification/enlargement/compression modes, andan N-up printing mode.

[0089] In the first printing program 50, the image reading section 500controls the constituent components of the apparatus main body 10 suchas the original feeding apparatus and the scanner 16 (see FIG. 3) inaccordance with a control of the control apparatus main body 20 to readan image of the original paper 40 (FIG. 4).

[0090] The UI section 510 receives operation by a user with respect tothe UI apparatus 26 (FIG. 2 and FIG. 3), and outputs a printingparameter (will be indicated as “printing parameter (user)”), which hasbeen set by the user to the parameter selecting section 530.

[0091]FIG. 8 is a diagram for showing an example of data stored in theIC chip 3. As shown in FIG. 8, data such as a printing parameter (willbe indicated as “printing parameter (IC)”), histories and errordetection/correction codes thereof are stored in the IC chip 3 (FIG. 4etc.).

[0092] The data reading section 520 controls the first IC chip IF 28-1(FIG. 2 etc.) so as to read data, which has been stored in the memorycircuit 322 (FIG. 5) of the IC chip 3 to output the read data to theparameter selecting section 530.

[0093] It should also be noted that a check as to whether or not thedata derived from the IC chip 3 can be read properly and another checkas to whether or not the IC chip 3 is attached to the original paper 40may be made by employing the following method. That is, the data readingsection 520 may check as to whether or not an error occurs in the readdata using the error detection/correction code.

[0094] The parameter selecting section 530 (FIG. 7) selects either theprinting parameter (IC) input from the data reading section 520 or theprinting parameter (user) input from the UI section 510 in response toan operation of the user with respect to the UI section 510, and a checkresult as to whether or not the IC chip 3 is attached to the originalpaper 40. Then, this parameter selecting section 530 outputs theselected printing parameter (IC, or user) to the image processingsection 532 and the printing control section 540.

[0095] In other words, for instance, in such a case that the parameterselecting section 530 can read the printing parameter (IC) from the ICchip 3 attached to the original paper 40 (FIG. 4 etc.) properly, theparameter selecting section 530 selects the printing parameter (IC) withuser's agreement. In other cases, the parameter selecting section 530selects the printing parameter (user) input from the UI section 510.Thereafter, the parameter selecting section 530 outputs the selectedprinting parameter to the image processing section 532 and the printingcontrol section 540.

[0096] The image processing section 532 (FIG. 7) performs a processoperation such as enlargement/compression and an N-up image with respectto the image of the original paper 40 (FIG. 4 etc.) input from the imagereading section 500 in accordance with the printing parameter input fromthe parameter selecting section 530. Then, the image processing section532 outputs the processed image to the printing control section 540.

[0097] In other words, for instance, in the case that the printingparameter designates the N-up printing operation with respect to theimage input from the image reading section 500, the image processingsection 532 performs the image processing operation for the N-upprinting operation. Whereas, in the case that the printing parameterdesignates the enlarging/compressing operation, the image processingsection 532 executes the enlarging/compressing process operation withrespect to the image input from the image reading section 500.

[0098] The printing control section 540 (FIG. 7) controls theconstituent components of the apparatus main body 10 such as the papertray section 12 (FIG. 2) and the print engine 14 in accordance with aprinting parameter input from the parameter selecting section 530 toprint the processed image obtained by the image processing section 532.

[0099] In other words, for example, the printing control section 540prints the processed image, which is input from the image processingsection 532, in either the color print mode or the black/white printmode on the printing papers 42, the quantity of which is designated bythe printing parameter, in response to this printing parameter.

[0100] [Overall Operation]

[0101] Next, overall operation of the composite copying machine 1 (firstprinting program 50) will be described.

[0102]FIG. 9 is a flow chart for describing an operation (S10) of thecomposite copying machine 1 (namely, first printing program 50; FIG. 7).

[0103] As shown in FIG. 9, in a step 100 (S100), the user executes onlyan operation for commencing a printing operation, or executes both anoperation for setting a printing parameter and the operation forcommencing the printing operation with respect to the UI apparatus 26(FIG. 2 etc.).

[0104] When the UI section 510 (FIG. 7) receives the operation made bythe user and the user sets the printing parameter, this UI section 510outputs this printing parameter (printing parameter (user)) to theparameter selecting section 530.

[0105] In a step 102 (S102), the data reading section 520 controls thefirst IC chip IF 28-1 (FIG. 2 and FIG. 3) so as to read a printingparameter (printing parameter (IC)) from the original paper 40 (FIG. 4etc.) transported through the original paper transport path 102.

[0106] In a step 104 (S104), the image reading section 500 controls thescanner 16 (FIG. 3) to read an image from the original paper 40 (FIG. 4etc.) transported via the original paper transport path 102.

[0107] In a step 106 (S106), the parameter selecting section 530 (FIG.7) judges as to whether or not the IC chip 3 is attached to the originalpaper 40 (FIG. 4 etc.).

[0108] When the IC chip 3 is attached to the original paper 40, thefirst printing program 50 is advanced to a process in a step S110,whereas in other cases, the first printing program 50 is advanced toanother process in a step S108.

[0109] In the step 108 (S108), the parameter selecting section 530 (FIG.7) outputs the printing parameter (user) input from the UI section 510to both the image processing section 532 and the printing controlsection 540.

[0110] In such a case that the user does not clearly set the printingparameter in the above-described process operation of the step S100, theparameter selecting section 530 outputs a printing parameter, which hasbeen set as a default value, to both the printing process unit 532 andthe printing control section 540.

[0111] The image processing section 532 and the printing control section540 perform a printing operation with respect to the printing paper 42(FIG. 2 etc.) in accordance with the printing parameter (user) inputfrom the parameter selecting section 530.

[0112] In a step 110 (S110), the parameter selecting section 530 (FIG.7) judges as to whether or not there is a printing parameter (user),which has been set by the user in the process of the step S100.

[0113] When there is the printing parameter (user), which has been setby the user, the first printing program 50 is advanced to a process in astep S112, whereas in other cases, the first printing program 50 isadvanced to another process in a step S116.

[0114] In the step 112 (S112), the UI section 510 (FIG. 7) displays onthe UI apparatus 26 (FIG. 3) a message that a printing operation iscarried out in accordance with not the printing parameter (user) set bythe user, but the printing parameter (IC) read from the IC chip 3.

[0115] In a step 114 (S114), the UI section 510 judges as to whether ornot the user executes an operation indicating that the user agrees tothe printing operation according to the printing parameter (IC) readfrom the IC chip 3.

[0116] When the user's agreement operation is carried out, the firstprinting program 50 is advanced to a process in a step S116, whereas inother cases, the first printing program 50 is advanced to anotherprocess in a step S118.

[0117] In the step 116 (S116), the parameter selecting section 530 (FIG.7) outputs the printing parameter (IC) read from the IC chip 3 (FIG. 4etc.) to both the image processing section 532 and the printing controlsection 540.

[0118] The image processing section 532 and the printing control section540 execute the printing operation with respect to the printing paper 42(FIG. 2 etc.) in accordance with the printing parameter (IC) input fromthe parameter selecting section 530.

[0119] In the step 118 (S118), the first printing program 50 stops theprinting operation.

[0120] [Modification]

[0121]FIG. 10 is a diagram for showing an example of a structure of asecond IC chip 34.

[0122]FIG. 11 is a block diagram for showing a structure of a secondprinting program 52.

[0123] As shown in FIG. 10, the second IC chip 34 employs such astructure that an encryption circuit 340 is additionally interposedbetween the memory circuit 322 and the data transmitting/receivingcircuit 324 of the first IC chip 3 (see FIG. 5).

[0124] As shown in FIG. 11, the second printing program 52 employs suchan arrangement that a decryption section 522 is additionally interposedbetween the data reading section 520 and the parameter selection unit530 of the first printing program 50.

[0125] It should be understood that the same reference numerals used inthe respective structural components of the first IC chip 3 will beemployed as those for denoting the essentially same structuralcomponents of this second IC chip 34. Furthermore, the same referencenumerals used in the respective structural components of the firstprinting program 50 will be employed as those for denoting theessentially same structural components of the second printing program52.

[0126] In such a case that the first IC chip 3 includes the encryptioncircuit 340 and the second printing program 52 includes the decryptionsection 522, in the second IC chip 34, the encryption circuit 340 readsa printing parameter from the memory circuit 322 in synchronization withthe clock signal, and then encrypts this read printing parameter tooutput the encrypted printing parameter to the datatransmitting/receiving circuit 324.

[0127] The data (printing parameter), which has been encrypted andoutput, is decrypted by the decryption section 522 in the secondprinting program 52, and thereafter, the decrypted data is processed inthe process operation shown in FIG. 9.

[0128] As described above, it is preferable to execute such an operationthat while the data is encrypted in the second IC chip 34, the encrypteddata is decrypted in the second printing program 52 in order to improvesecrecy of information.

[0129] [Second Embodiment]

[0130] Next, a description will now be made of a second embodimentaccording to the present invention.

[0131] In an image forming method indicated as the second embodiment,both a printing parameter, which is read out from an IC chip attached toan original paper, and a history of printing operations are written inanother IC chip attached to a printing paper.

[0132] Further, such a history indicating how an image of the originalpaper has been so far printed (for instance, conditions of N-up printingoperation shown in FIG. 1A to FIG. 1D) is written in the IC chipattached to the original paper, and thus, this written history may beemployed in a printing operation.

[0133] [Third Printing Program 54]

[0134]FIG. 12 is a block diagram for showing a structure of a thirdprinting program 54 capable of realizing the image forming method of theinvention, which is executed by the control apparatus 2 (FIG. 2 and FIG.3), instead of the first printing program 50 shown in FIG. 7.

[0135]FIG. 13 is a diagram for showing a printing paper 42 to which thefirst IC chip 3 has been attached. FIG. 13A shows the printing paper 42before an image is printed thereon, and FIG. 13B shows the printingpaper 42 after the image has been printed thereon.

[0136] It should be understood that the same reference numerals are usedfor the respective constituent components as those for respectiveconstituent components of both the first printing program 50 and thesecond printing program 52 to denote the essentially same structuralcomponents of the third printing program 54.

[0137] In the second embodiment, as indicated by using parentheses inFIG. 8, a history of printing operations is additionally written intothe first IC chip 3 (FIG. 4 etc.) attached to the original paper 40.

[0138] As shown in FIG. 12, the third printing program 54 employs such astructure that a data writing section 524 is additionally provided inthe first printing program 50.

[0139] In the third printing program 54, the data reading section 520reads the printing parameter (IC) from the first IC chip 3 attached tothe original paper 40 in addition to the history, and then, outputsthese read printing parameter (IC) and history to the parameterselecting section 530.

[0140] Also, the parameter selecting section 530 selects one of theprinting parameter (user), which is input from the UI section 510, theprinting parameter (IC) and the history, which are input from the datareading section 520 (there may be a case where only the printingparameter (IC) is stored in the first IC chip 3), and then, outputs theselected one to both the image processing section 532 and the printingcontrol section 540.

[0141] Also, the parameter selecting section 530 outputs the one of theprinting parameter (user) and the printing parameter (IC) to the datawriting section 524.

[0142] Similar to the first embodiment, both the image processingsection 532 and the printing control section 540 perform a printingoperation in accordance with the printing parameter input from theparameter selecting section 530, and furthermore execute a printingoperation in accordance with the history input from the parameterselecting section 530, if input.

[0143] In other words, for instance, when the history read from thefirst IC chip 3 indicates that the image of the original paper 40 hasbeen printed in the equi-magnification printing mode, both the imageprocessing section 532 and the printing control section 540 perform theprinting operation in one of the equi-magnification printing mode, the2-up printing mode, the 4-up printing mode (see FIG. 1A to FIG. 1), andthe compression printing mode in response to an instruction by the user.

[0144] Also, for instance, when the history read from the first IC chip3 indicates that an image of an original paper 40 has been printed inthe 2-up printing mode, both the image processing section 532 and theprinting control section 540 perform the printing operation only ineither the equi-magnification printing mode or the 2-up printing mode inaccordance with an instruction by the user, and also prohibit that theprinting operation is carried out in both the 4-up printing operationand the compression printing operation, which may cause such apossibility that printed images of the original paper 40 cannot beread/discriminated.

[0145] Also, for instance, when the history read from the first IC chip3 indicates that an image of an original paper 40 has been printed inthe 2-up printing mode, both the image processing section 532 and theprinting control section 540 perform a printing operation only in eitherthe equi-magnification printing mode or the 2-up printing mode inaccordance with an instruction by the user, and also prohibit that theprinting operation is carried out in the 4-up printing operation, whichmay cause such a possibility that printed images of the original paper40 cannot be read/discriminated.

[0146] Also, similarly, both the image processing section 532 and theprinting control section 540 prohibit that a printing operation iscarried out in the compressed-magnification mode, which may cause such apossibility that printed images of the original paper 40 cannot beread/discriminated.

[0147] Also, for instance, when the history read from the first IC chip3 indicates that an image of an original paper 40 has been printed inthe 4-up printing mode, both the image processing section 532 and theprinting control section 540 perform the printing operation only ineither the equi-magnification printing mode or the 2-up printing mode inaccordance with an instruction by the user.

[0148] Furthermore, when the image processing section 532 prints animage on the printing paper 42, this image processing section 532outputs information indicating that the printing operation has beencarried out for the image in the N-up processing operation, theenlarging process operation, or the compressing process operation as anew history to the data writing section 524.

[0149] The data writing section 524 controls the second IC chip IF 28-2(FIG. 2 and FIG. 3) to store both the printing parameter input from theparameter selecting section 530 and the history input from the imageprocessing section 532 into the first IC chip 3 attached to the printingpaper 42, as indicated in FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B.

[0150] [Overall Operation]

[0151] Next, a description is made of overall operation of the compositecopying machine 1 (namely, third printing program 54 shown in FIG. 12)according to the second embodiment.

[0152]FIG. 14 is a flow chart for describing the overall operation(defined in step S12) of the composite copying machine 1 according tothe second embodiment.

[0153] As shown in FIG. 14, the third printing program 54 executes aprocess operation similar to the process operation in the step S10 shownin FIG. 9 in accordance with either the printing parameter (user) set bythe user or the printing parameter (IC) and the history, which are readfrom the IC chip 3 (FIG. 4 etc. to obtain a print result (see FIG. 13B).

[0154] After the process operation defined in either the step S108 orthe step S116 (FIG. 9) has been carried out, the third printing program54 (FIG. 12) is advanced to a process in a step S120 of FIG. 14.

[0155] In the step 120 (S120), the data reading section 520 controls thesecond IC chip IF 28-2 in order to read data from the first IC chip 3attached to the printing paper 42 (FIG. 13B) in synchronization withdetecting the first IC chip 3 attached to the printing paper 42, whichis transported through the printing paper transport path 100.

[0156] In a step 122 (S122), the data reading section 520 judges as towhether or not the first IC chip 3 (see FIG. 13B) is attached to theprinting paper 42.

[0157] The third printing program 54 is advanced to a process in a stepS124 when the IC chip 3 is attached to the printing paper 42, whereasthe process operation of this printing program 54 is terminated in othercases.

[0158] In a step 124 (S124), the data writing section 524 controls thesecond IC chip IF 28-2 (FIG. 2 and FIG. 3) in order that the printingparameter input from the parameter selecting section 530 and the historyinput from the image processing section 532 are written into the firstIC chip 3 attached to the printing paper 42 which is fed through theprinting paper transport path 100 (FIG. 3). It should be noted that thedata writing section 524 may control the second IF chip IF 28-2 to writeone of printing parameter and the history into the first IC chip 3.

[0159] As previously described, in accordance with the image formingsystem and the image forming method of the present invention, whileutilizing the semiconductor chip from which the data stored thereintocan be read in the non-contact manner, the setting information of theimage formation is stored in the original paper, and the image formationcan be carried out by employing the stored setting information of theimage formation.

[0160] Also, in accordance with the image forming system and the imageforming method of the invention, while both the setting information ofthe image formation and the history are stored, when the image, whichhas been formed on the printing paper, is used to be furthermore formed,both the setting information and the history can be utilized.

What is claimed is:
 1. An image forming system comprising: an imagedisplay member on which an image is displayed; and an image formingapparatus, wherein: the image display member includes: a first parameterstorage unit stores a first parameter indicating a way to form thedisplayed image and a formation history of the displayed image andoutputs the stored first parameter to an external; and the image formingapparatus includes: an image reading unit for reading the displayedimage; a parameter reading unit for reading the output first parameter;and an image forming unit for forming the read image on the basis of theread first parameter on a recording medium.
 2. The image forming systemaccording to claim 1, wherein: the recording medium includes a secondparameter storage unit for storing the first parameter written from theexternal and outputting the stored first parameter to the external; andthe image forming apparatus includes a parameter writing unit forwriting one of the read first parameter and a second parametercontaining a history updated in response to the image formation on therecording medium into the second parameter storage unit.
 3. An imageforming apparatus comprising: an image reading unit for reading an imagedisplayed on an image display member; a parameter reading unit forreading a first parameter indicating at least one of a way to form thedisplayed image and a formation history of the displayed image from theimage display member; and an image forming unit for forming the readimage on the basis of the read first parameter on a recording medium. 4.The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: aparameter writing unit for writing one of the read first parameter and asecond parameter containing a history updated in response to the imageformation on the recording medium into a storage unit of the recordingmedium.
 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein thefirst parameter includes information indicating a mode for forming thedisplayed image on the recording medium, a size of the formed image, andnumber of the image formation.
 6. The image forming apparatus accordingto claim 4, wherein the history contained in the second parameterincludes at least a size change of the image formed on the recordingmedium.
 7. A method for forming an image, which is displayed on an imagedisplay member, on a recording medium, the method comprising: outputtinga first parameter indicating at least one of a way to form the displayedimage and a formation history of the displayed image to an external bythe image display member; reading the displayed image from the imagedisplay member; reading the output first parameter; and forming the readimage on the basis of the read first parameter on a recording medium. 8.The method according to claim 7, further comprising: storing a parameterwritten from the external and outputting the stored parameter to theexternal by the recording medium; and writing one of the read firstparameter and a second parameter containing a history updated inresponse to the image formation on the recording medium into therecording medium.
 9. A program making a computer execute a processcomprising: outputting a first parameter indicating at least one of away to form an image, which is displayed on a image display member, anda formation history of the displayed image to an external by the imagedisplay member; reading the displayed image from the image displaymember; reading the output first parameter; and forming the read imageon the basis of the read first parameter on a recording medium.
 10. Theprogram according to claim 9, wherein the process further comprises:storing a parameter written from the external and outputting the storedparameter to the external by the recording medium; and writing one ofthe read first parameter and a second parameter containing a historyupdated in response to the image formation on the recording medium intothe recording medium.